UVM men’s hockey gains two recruits

Two young hockey players, one only 13 years old, have announced their commitments to the University of Vermont men’s program.

Forward Anthony Cipollone, 13, is the younger brother of Joey Cipollone, who announced his commitment to the Catamounts in January. Wednesday evening, the younger Cipollone, decided to follow his brother, probably for the 2020-21 season.

Expected to attend much earlier, forward Jacob Kamps sent out his decision over Twitter, “Proud to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey at the University of Vermont. Thanks to everyone who's supported me along the way. #GoCatamounts #UVM.” He, too, is a forward and could be on campus by 2017.

The younger Cipollone said on Twitter, “Proud and excited to announce my commitment to play D1 hockey at the University of Vermont. Thanks to my family and coaches. #GoCatamounts”.

According to @OverTheBoards on Twitter, Anthony Cipollone is “First ’02 recruit. Skilled Westchester Express scorer had great summer playing up w/@top_Shelf_Hky.” OTB also tweeted that no player born in 2001 has yet committed to an NCAA Division I team, making Cipollone the youngest by 14 months of any current Division 1 commit. “02” refers to the year of birth.

Anthony Cipollone played in peewee hockey this past season but has a reputation as a scorer.

Kamps, from Pickering, Ontario, is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward who can play either wing. He played for Wyoming Seminary, a prep school, where he recorded 19 goals and 30 assists in 40 games last winter.

Kamps said he will attend Cushing Academy next year and will play a year of juniors after that. He said he received interest from other Division 1 schools, including some in Hockey East.

“I’d say as a player my biggest assets are my speed and that I can use my body. I like to try and make plays as much as I can and use my body to drive the net,” he said Thursday evening.

“I wouldn’t call myself a goal scorer but I can score, for sure. One thing I’m working on is my shooting,” he said.

The UVM campus and the Greater Burlington community captivated Kamps during his recent recruiting visit. “It was love at first sight,” he said, adding, “It’s pretty easy to get to from my hometown.”

He said the reputation of Vermont fans at Gutterson Fieldhouse also factored in, saying, “I hear it’s sold out most night and it’s important to me to play in front of a huge crowd that can fire me up.”

Head coach Kevin Sneddon cannot comment on a recruit until the student-athlete has signed a national letter-of-intent and been admitted to the university.

Correspondent Ted Ryan covers UVM hockey for The Burlington Free Press. Contact him at TedRyanVT@aol.com and follow him on Twitter at @TedRyanVT.